SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

Thank you to all of the Creatures that presented the Palm Sunday service.  A barnyard setting brought the story of Jesus and why he gave his life for us.  Everyone did such a good job on their parts, reading the scriptures and liturgy.  Thank you to the hat makers Joy Hicks, Mary Luedeman, and Marilyn Smith.  The fence maker Gordon Smith did a fantastic job with keeping the creatures in, thank you.  For the music Karen Wolter and the choir thank you so much for adding more meaning to the service.  All the shepherds that helped keep the creatures on their best behavior thank you. 

Sunday School starts with “Breakfast on the Beach” on March 30 and continue through April 20th.  After the Resurrection the disciples recognized Jesus in familiar places and in familiar activities.  We too can experience the hope and love of Jesus in everyday activities such as walking, talking, and eating.  Come and join us at 10:15 after the worship service.

March 30th
Nur-3rd ~ Unleaven Bread
4th – 7th  ~ Adventure in Acts
April 6
Nur-3rd ~ Moonlight Theater
4th – 7th Genesis Creation
April 13
Nur-3rd ~ Adventure in Acts
4th – 7th ~ Moonlight Theater
April 20
Nur-3rd ~ Genesis Creation
4th – 7th~ Unleaven Bread

CEC NEWS
Adults have 3 great opportunities for studies.  Sunday Morning at 10:30, Judy Vogels has a study and discussion.  Wednesday Morning group is with Pastor Marian at 9:30am.  Wednesday evening studies are with Peter Cardinal on the Book of Judges at 6:00pm. 

Thank you to all that helped with the Easter morning breakfast.  And a big Thank you for the donations that will help pay for the youth to go to summer church camp.

A huge Thank You to all that donated to the Bowl-a-thon.  This will help bring the youth of our church to summer camp at Mt Morris this year.  If you were unable to donate to the Bowl-a-thon, you can still give.  Just mark your donation for Church camp in the offering plate.

Something NEW the starting of Mini Moravians youth group will have their first meeting on April 20th after Sunday School.  Grades 1-5 students and parents are invited.  Will start out with getting to know each other and than food and fun.  Come and join in the fun and fellowship.

Mark your calendars and sign-up for the annual Noah Ark trip to Wisconsin Dells.  Wednesday, June 18 cost $18.00 per person includes admission into park, lunch and the bus ride to and from the park.  What a deal and good time!!!

NEWS FROM CHURCH COUNCIL

On a very cold February Sunday morning the Church Council was convened.  We gave thanks and celebrated the ways God has been active in our church community.  We made a commitment to support the ministry here at West in 2009 through approving the budget.  We joyfully welcomed Emily Hicks onto the Board of Elders and Joanne Ploederl onto the Board of Trustees.  We thanked outgoing board members Jeff Brandt, Ray Shiffer and Cheryl Weber. 

No one was elected onto the Endowment committee.  During the February Trustees meeting it was decided to dissolve this committee at this time and place it under the Trustees oversight. At a later date a committee will have to be reconvened to look at how these funds may be disbursed. 

At our council meeting we discussed the need for new furniture in the lounge.  A committee is to be formed and funds gathered for this project.  If you are interested in serving on this committee or giving to this project please see a Trustee.

 We also discussed the stewardship of our facility here at West and how to better utilize and share the space.  A search committee is to be formed to seek out ways to share this space with other groups in our larger community.  If you are interested in serving on this committee please see a Trustee. 

DISTRICT NEWS
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

It is with great joy that I write to share with you the news that Brother Bill Hosking has accepted the call to serve as the pastoral leader of the Ephraim Moravian Church in Door County, Wisconsin.  Bill will conclude his pastorate at Lancaster Moravian Church in Pennsylvania on March 30th and be installed at Ephraim on April 20th.  Those attending the upcoming Western District Synod will have an opportunity to welcome him to the District!

The Rev. Wanda Veldman who is ordained in the United Church of Christ, as accepted an appointment to serve as the pastoral leader of the Veedum
Moravian Church, near Pittsville, Wisconsin.  Wanda will begin her work on May 1st.  If you are at the upcoming WD Synod, please take a moment to
welcome her!

Peace,  Jim
James T. Hicks, Pastor
President, Western District

CRAFTER’S MINISTRY

The Crafter’s Ministry will meet again on April 21st.  We gather to share in a meal, deepen fellowship as brothers and sisters in Christ and share in craft and service projects for our larger community. 

MORAVIAN 552ND CRUISE

Sponsored by the Moravian Church of Downey

February 28-March 7, 2009

For more information contact: Bishop Hopeton Clennon • Phone: 562-927-0718 E-mail: MoravianCruise@aol.com • www.moravian552cruise.com

To reserve your cruise contact: Ann Santillan at Coastline Travel 1-800-448-2374 or 714-791-8558 Direct Line